Prince William shares touching moment with Windrush cricketing pioneer
Prince William hails Alford Gardner in documentary
Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror
Prince William shared a touching moment with a Windrush cricketing pioneer in a documentary that will air tonight at 9pm.
The Prince of Wales paid tribute to a surviving passenger of the Empire Windrush, named Alford Gardner, who worked to break down racial barriers throughout his career.
This cricketer was one of only two surviving passengers of the Empire Windrush.
Gardner set up Britain’s first Caribbean cricket club in 1948 - an inspiring move that led to more Caribbeans playing cricket in the UK.
Prince William and Alford Gardner in 2022
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Prince William visited the 97-year-old at his home in Leeds, West Yorkshire, for the documentary.
The royal later took Garner to Headingley Cricket Ground for a surprise celebration with cricketing stars.
The prince, who praised Mr Gardner’s “positive spirit”, said: “We are here because of one person, who changed the lives of so many.”
Gardner set up the club three months after arriving in the UK on HMT Empire Windrush from Jamaica.
Princess Kate and Prince William honoured Windrush generation last year
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He was among the first of the Windrush generation, which defines those who travelled to the UK between 1948 and 1971 from Caribbean countries.
This generation was answering Britain’s call to help fill post-war labour shortages.
Tonight's documentary marks the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation this year.
Gardner was joined at Headingley by friends, family and famous cricketing names, including Darren Gough.
Alford Gardner broke down racial barriers in cricket
PA
In a touching moment, he bowled at Prince William, who urged him: “Easy ball, easy ball Alford. Be gentle.” The prince added: “Oh, he’s got it.”
The 97-year-old joked: “I can’t remember the last time I bowled a ball.”
The Prince of Wales asked: “Was there any other cricket clubs up here when you arrived?”
Gardner replied: “Yeah, but I wanted a West Indian team. We started working on it.
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Alford Gardner is 97-years-old
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"Some lads still in the RAF came up. Lads from Manchester came across … so they get a team together. The main thing was to have fun.”
The 41-year-old asked: “Were you a bowler or a batsman, or both?”
Gardner commented: “I tried everything. I wouldn’t say I was good at anything.”
William added: “You have such a positive spirit, has that always been you?” Gardner laughed and said: “Always been me.”